SWISS | A SPLENDID GOLD AND ENAMEL AUTOMATA WATCH 'THE BLACKSMITH'S FORGE'CIRCA 1810

• Movement: gilded, verge escapement, regulation arm to the outer rim and visible to the edge of the dial• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, aperture for winding by 9 o'clock, gold hands• Case: gold bezels and pendant, the back with polychrome enamel painted pastoral scene beside a river with a bridge in the mid-distance, the sky of translucent deep blue enamel over an engine-turned ground, the foreground with vari-coloured applied gold automata depicting a blacksmith hammering at his anvil whilst his assistant attends the furnace, his arm operating the bellows, a windmill turning in the background and water flowing through a rill to the right-hand side of the bridge, aperture for winding the automata above the blacksmith, all framed by a split-pearl-set border, a lever in the band at 6 o'clock to operate the automata, polished gold bezels the rims decoratively engraved with geometric patterning, pendant with maker's mark PC incuse with a pellet between and numbered 14948

Dial: Appears to be in good overall condition. Case: scuffs throughout and some indentations Movement: Running at time of cataloguing. Automata appears to be working well at time of cataloguing, with figures, windmill and water all working operational. Bezels with scuffs and scratches.The polychome enamel painted scene in good overall condition with some slight chipping to the surface around the winding aperture.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."